Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1213) There is great joy when a family presents their child to be welcomed as the newest member of our family of faith!
The preparation and formation for Baptism families follows the model of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults as well as being inline with the requirements of the Diocese. Families are to attend a Baptism preparation class that explains the Rite of the Reception of Children and the Celebration of the Sacrament. After the family attends that class and completes all the requirements, they may schedule their child's Baptism with the Pastor by calling the Parish Office.
It is our hope that through the Baptism Preparation class, families will more fully experience the richness of the baptismal rite, and thus support them in "...their role as nurturers of the life that God has entrusted to them." (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1251)
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c1a1.htm